They argue marriage “as existing solely between one man and one woman was not an idea manufactured by the Christian church.”

“It precedes Christianity,” they say. “Though affirmed, fulfilled, and elevated by Christian teaching, the truth that marriage can exist only between one man and one woman is not based on religion or revelation alone, but on the natural moral law, written on the human heart and discernible through the exercise of reason.”This statement was drafted by Deacon Keith Fournier, chairman of Common Good Alliance, as well as Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel Action.

It was approved by pastors and other leaders who collectively represent tens of millions of Christians.While the church leaders candidly admit they have differences on matters of doctrine and practice, they proclaimed solidarity on the issue of marriage.

“Marriage and family have been inscribed by the Divine Architect into the order of creation. Marriage is ontologically between one man and one woman, ordered toward the union of the spouses, open to children and formative of family. Family is the first vital cell of society; the first church, first school, first hospital, first economy, first government and first mediating institution of our social order. The future of a free and healthy society passes through marriage and the family,” it states.

The statement says that the since marriage “predates government,” it cannot be redefined by civil institutions, “including the United States Supreme Court.”

“Redefining the very institution of marriage is improper and outside the authority of the state,” it says. “The Supreme Court has no authority to redefine marriage.”

They argue marriage “as existing solely between one man and one woman was not an idea manufactured by the Christian church.”

“It precedes Christianity,” they say. “Though affirmed, fulfilled, and elevated by Christian teaching, the truth that marriage can exist only between one man and one woman is not based on religion or revelation alone, but on the natural moral law, written on the human heart and discernible through the exercise of reason.”

“They warn that experience and history “have shown us that if the government redefines marriage to grant a legal equivalency to same-sex couples, that same government will then enforce such an action with the police power of the state.”

“This will bring about an inevitable collision with religious freedom and conscience rights and does not serve the common good of society,” they say.

Church leaders such as former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey have warned lawmakers that a redefinition of marriage to include same-sex couples would lead to other less-desired results, such as polygamy and incest.

Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/06/supreme-courts-authority-faces-stunning-challenge/#kwPhpuKJQsvEuOyI.99